Our story about parenthood and our journey through life looking a lot different than we expected.

For Dan

A good friend of Adam and I’s in college was killed in a car accident in 2007. His mother has been an amazing source of encouragement for both Adam and me as we are just starting our journey as grieving parents. I thought I would share her most recent request with all of you, my response and ask you to respond as well. Even if you never knew Dan but have known the pain of losing someone you love, your time and effort would be cherished.

From Susan:

For anyone interested in writing the parole board to oppose early release for the street racer that killed my son the information follows. One of the offenders has served 3 years of the five year sentence agreed to via plea bargain, if the case had gone to trial he may have received a longer sentence as he was picked up on a DUI while awaiting trial for my son’s death, he continuously broke his bond conditions. When he caused the collision that killed Daniel he was on deferred adjudication for drug charges. After pleading guilty and agreeing to the five years his high powered lawyers filed an appeal that lasted almost two years, he was allowed to await the appeals process from the comforts of a luxurious home. I forgive him for causing Daniel’s death, but he should be held fully accountable for his criminal actions.

A five year sentence is a small price to pay for the incredible and beautiful life he took. I pray that when he is released he comes out a better person who’ll abide by the laws that govern our state. If you need more information or have questions please feel free to contact me. As always, thank you so much for your love, support and prayers.

In loving honor and memory of Daniel Jason Reiter, February 27, 1985 to June 18, 2007. I miss him with every heartbeat.

I remember the first time I had seen Susan post a similar request on Facebook. I felt like I wanted to write a letter, but then pushed away the idea because I didn’t know what to say and I didn’t want to take the time to figure that out. I am ashamed to say that, but it’s true. My pain has changed my heart. Brooklyn certainly changed the shape of it, but my pain in losing her has made me much more sensitive to others’ pain.

Just one of my “Brooklyn gifts”.

My letter:

Offender: Kfouri, Andrew

State ID: 07825294

TDCJ ID: 01663586

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter to implore that Andrew Kfouri not be released after serving only 3 years of his 5 year sentence.

Daniel Reiter lived a big life; one that every one that knew him was proud to have been a part of. He was one of the few people who saw the best in everyone, without exception. I believe this is because He knew love from God, and it impacted him in a way that was impossible for others not to see and experience. He put others above himself, always, and even when it would have been deemed acceptable to promote himself, he displayed humility.

My request to continue to detain Andrew Kfouri is not only to honor the exceptional life Daniel lived but also to honor those who have known longing and pain because of his absence.

As a mother who has recently lost a child herself, I can attest to the pain that enters one’s heart with not only the loss of your cherished child, but the burden of entering a life where every day is filled with longing. Andrew Kfouri’s reckless and thoughtless actions have left a mother to live the rest of her life always missing her first born and the rest of his family feeling incomplete without their son, brother, uncle, nephew, and grandson. Could there be a greater crime than this?

Is five years really too much to ask for such damage that has been done? Is five years really too much to pay an ounce of the tribute Daniel’s life deserves? Are five challenging years for Andrew Kfouri really too much to let him feel the weight of his unthinkable actions? Andrew Kfouri has the rest of his life in front of him…The rest of his life to make better choices, the REST of his life to live in a comfortable home and enjoy his family and friends at holidays. The REST of his LIFE to pursue his desires in freedom. So, I ask again, is requiring of him to complete his original sentence really too much to ask?

Considering the life-ending impact of his choices on Daniel and the life altering impact on Daniel’s family and friends, I think asking the courts to honor their original decision for Andrew Kfouri to complete a 5 year sentence is a justified request.

Thank you for your consideration.

Corrie Hull – Daniel Reiter’s friend from college

Austin, TX

If the voice in your head says, “I could never write anything like that.”

You can

If the voice in your head says, “I don’t have the time.”

Find it. AND, it does not have to resemble mine or be as long.

If the voice in your head says, “Corrie, stop reading my mind.”

I’m done. 🙂

Dan,

I don’t know what Heaven is like, but I hope you’ve gotten to read my Brooklyn Bear a good story a time or two, and play a few games of peek-a-boo or hide and seek. I couldn’t think of anyone better for her to have an adventure with than you! Miss your big, big heart.

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One thought on “For Dan”

I agree with what’s been written here. What’s 5 years spent in jail when compared to a loss of one’s life; and an amazing life at that. This man should serve the time in honor of the family he stole from.